We are the first group dedicated to exploring methodological and technological development of multiphoton microscopy for non-destructive, 3D microanalysis of mineralogic samples. Multiphoton microscopy has revolutionized biomedical imaging techniques since the turn of the century and holds the potential to similarly impact fields of geologic and planetary sciences. As a unique interdisciplinary team of planetary geologists and optical scientists, we are working together to develop this powerful and versatile new toolset for targeted investigation of planetary and geologic materials.

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Multiphoton microscopy utilizes a femtosecond laser to stimulate nonlinear optical interactions, wherein multiple photons simultaneously interact at the focal point of the laser to excite an electron. As the electron relaxes back to its ground state, a single photon is emitted with the summed energies of incident photons, less any energy lost to vibrational decay. The resulting signals are higher frequency (i.e., shorter wavelength) than the incident photons from the laser, and can be used to deduce structural, chemical, and electronic characteristics of minerals.​

Current NOM Group Members